Open access publications in the SLU publication database

Work-related injuries during handling of large animals like cattle have always been a major work environmental problem, especially for those handling cattle everyday. Fatal injuries occur every year in Sweden during handling of cattle. As a result of the high injury rate the arguments for provisions on work with animals has grown. The Swedish Work Environment Authority has therefore decided to issue provisions on work with animals and it is expected to
be adopted in October 2006.

The purpose of this thesis is to find results and develop recommendations which can support these new provisions about work with animals. This thesis is also a part of the SLU-project "Working with animals – safety aspects”. The thesis is written with the conviction that the work environment must “walk hand in hand” with the animal environment to promote a safe environment for both humans and animals.

The aim of the thesis is also to serve as a resource for facts and advice related to safe work
with cattle through the whole animal handling chain. The study includes work at the private farm (the producer), the work of the animal transporters from the loading of animals at the farm to delivery at the slaughterhouse as well as the work of the slaughterhouse staff (handling live animals). This study has a general perspective of cattle handling and include both meat production and milk production. The thesis is based on a study of relevant literature as well as a field survey including staff from 4 cattle producers, 4 milk producers, 3 animal
transporters and 3 slaughterhouses.

The most dangerous work tasks performed by the producers were during the daily moving of
animals and during ear marking of the calves. The transporters considered loading of cattle at
the farm to be the most dangerous task and the employees at the slaughterhouses thought that
the unloading of cattle was the most dangerous task during their work together with moving
of cattle. The most common incidents among the interviewed were knee injuries and rib
fractures caused by kicking animals and injuries caused by crushing. During the survey it was
concluded that many of the participants had more knowledge about animal environment and
animal welfare in comparison with work environment and human health. In order to reach a
safe workplace, it is important that the employees have a high level of knowledge in both
areas. The recommendations in this report are based on the literature study as well as the results from the field study. Some of the more comprehensive recommendations:
- Always consider the animal instincts.
- The risk for accidents and injuries could be reduced if man and animal have a good
relation to each other.
- A new way of thinking is recommended where the animal’s natural behaviour
constitutes the ground for the animal handling.
- Enough knowledge could save your life.
My expectation is that the results of this thesis will be useful in order to increase the level of knowledge among those who work with a nimals, in animal related education at different levels and serve as basis for continued research and development within this area.
The final goal is to create safe and attractive working conditions during work operations with cattle and reduce the number of work related accidents.